Up the Seine Without a Paddle

The Travel Mishaps of Caity Shaw #2

by Eliza Watson

What do you do when the City of Love doesn't love you?

Caity Shaw takes on Paris and her next event planner job with a bit more confidence--which is immediately shot down when she's forced to take responsibility for a six-year-old brat. They're kicked out of a famous museum, and she goes from being a glamorous event planner--for a funeral directors' group--to a reluctant au pair. Just what she doesn't need as she struggles to regain self-esteem whittled away by an emotionally abusive ex-boyfriend.

Declan, Caity's hot Irish coworker, helps her maintain her sanity and sense of humor when she is repeatedly thrown out of places in Paris. He also perpetuates her facade as an experienced planner, a goal she'll never achieve if she's spending her days at puppet shows. Caity and Declan spend evenings exploring Paris and researching her Irish grandmother's mysterious past, uncovering secrets that could tear Caity's family apart. Declan reveals his own secret, which might bring Caity and him closer, despite her attempts to keep an emotional distance from the charming womanizer. However, the only way to help Declan open up and heal might be to confide in him about her past.

Caity finally has faith in herself--can she learn to have faith that others won't judge her mistakes?

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Fiction, Womens Fiction, Contemporary Romance

165 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 29, 2016

About the author

Eliza Watson is a USA Today bestselling author, family historian, and former event planner. When Eliza isn't tracing her ancestry roots through Ireland or Scotland, she's at home working on her next novel, bouncing ideas off her husband, Mark, and her cats Frankie and Sammy. Eliza's monthly newsletter features genealogy research advice and info about her latest news, giveaways, and releases! Subscribe at elizawatson.com.

Reviews

[Stace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in The Travel Mishaps of Caity Shaw series and is, if possible, even better than the first.

It just makes such deliciously compulsive reading and is a perfect comfort read when you’re feeling a little down. Eliza Watson’s writing style is so easygoing and personal, with the first person approach to this novel, it feels like you’re the main character’s confidant and have a ringside seat to all her shenanigans in this latest book.

Caity, the main character in question, is naturally upbeat and sweet but she’s not long out of an abusive relationship and is trying to re-establish her identity after being told for so long that everything about her was wrong. The hardest part to this venture that she doesn’t really know who she is as a person, but she’s building bridges with her family and is working on her genealogy to see if finding her roots helps her figure out who she is.

Caity began the search for her grandmother’s past in the first book of the series, Flying by the Seat of my Knickers, but this book doesn’t have a huge amount of development on that front but I was delighted to learn that the next book is due out in July 2017 so there’s a promise of more already!

The beauty of this book is the character development, Caity is gaining a little more self-confidence now she’s having some little wins in her new job. With this self-confidence, however, she’s starting to chip away at the walls she had to build around herself to survive her abuse relationship and the breakup – it’s painful to read but very cathartic. The pace of this book sets the tone for what I think we can expect from the rest of the series, the pace at which our heroine is getting her life back together suggests that we have a few more books ahead of us before we can reach what I hope (pray, beg, possibly bribe) will be a final happy ending.

This all sounds heavy and depressing but this book is wonderfully fun, humorous and light-hearted. Caity is working her second ever job as an event planner/coordinator and though she’s finding her feet in this industry, you can never predict what’s going to happen next! The author herself is an event planner and you can feel the authenticity of a lot of the issues the main characters face, there’s something about knowing that all these hilarious disasters are probably loosely based on real life events that makes them extra funny!

The one thing to realise about this series, so far at least, is that it isn’t really a romance – sure, there are some fuzzy feelings, but it’s just about a woman rebuilding her life and how she learns to cope under pressure all over again.

I would recommend this book for fans of travel and light humour, it’s so easy and comforting to read that I would put this on a list of holiday reads.

Reviewed by Nia at www.whisperingstories.com

[Yodamom · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 I requested this book thinking it was a romantic story wrapped around a trip to Paris. It was based in Paris and several landmarks were visited but this was not a light romantic read. It struggled between a survival recovery book and a romance and failed at both for me. It felt light at times, I'd start to enjoy the characters, then it would suddenly go into victim survival therapy. Preachy therapy, the I'm telling you how to feel and act kind. Then she got aggressive towards people who didn't behave how she thought they should at one point wanting to hit a person ? That happened towards the end and threw the book for me. Was that to be a sign of her new mature strength after an oppressed relationship ? No. I had not read the first book and was lost to the back story of her previous relationship that was referenced often when the fear she felt exploded out. Her reaction was serious so I can only imagine it was intense and ugly.
In the end the story was jumbled, the characters started out strong then spiraled into chaos. The direction lost the story fell flat. I gave it two stars because I think a good editor could pull this back together, maybe.

[Lauren coffeebooksandescape · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Shauna’s death had distanced him from family, like Andy’s controlling behavior had distanced me from mine. It was difficult, and important, to rebuild those relationships.”

✮✮✮✮✮

Caity Shaw is Paris bound for part two of her travel diaries! Thinking she can use this trip to fill her CV with event planner experience, she doesn’t expect to wind up as a nanny to a 6-year-old brat… Caity ends up getting kicked out of almost everywhere in Paris, no thanks to the kid, which doesn’t help her on her journey through recovery after her abusive ex. Declan returns too and they spend evenings exploring Paris together, but between his big secret, her past and the Guinness girls, they seem to be further apart then ever.

It’s a really cozy read that will make you read it all in less than a day, you’ll just gobble it all up and it’ll make you feel good inside! I mean there were parts that had my crying and parts that had me laughing, but it’s completely feel-good without being too heavy on any romance! Completely recommend!

This was so much better than book one! This is what I needed to read between Caity and Declan especially… Caity used Paris to become more of the person she needed to, especially after the whole PTSD of book one. Her recovery is a great journey! Declan was so brooding in this book, but once it all came out, I understand why, it was just such a different him than book one… it kept me guessing the whole way through about what was going to happen next and was all completely relatable!

[Elle G. Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Release Date: October 29, 2016
Genre: Women's Fiction

This book is another delightful novel in the series! I adore Eliza's writing style and how she writes characters that are easy to connect with. Even better is the fact that she brings these characters to life because they deal with real issues!

For those who are interested in this novel (and I highly recommend it) please be sure to read Flying by the Seat of My Knickers first as it is the beginning of Caity's journey. And I can promise you that you will not be disappointed by the heartfelt and delightful series!

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful, sweet second book in the Caity Shaw series! While not as hysterically funny as the first book, this brought out all the feels you can think of: humor, sorrow, and love. I fell in love with the setting of Paris, and the way it was described by the author makes me wish I could go tomorrow.

Caity Shaw is in Paris, once again working with her good friend Declan, for an event specifically for funeral directors. While not so enthused by some of the morbid attractions on the group's tours, she is even less so about her spontaneous role as au pair to one of the director's young son, Henry. While taking care of Henry, she is kicked out of two buildings, walked to a different hotel, and snuggled by a dog named Esme. Needless to say, Caity is having a wild time in Paris, but now the question is what will happen from here with Declan?

I really liked this chapter in Caity's life, because it showed a much more serious side of her. We see more of her PTSD coming out from her past abusive relationship with her ex, and she becomes stronger as she works through her anxiety. Declan also is more serious in this book. It's revealed why he is so hands off with Caity, and the shock sets the tone for their friendship going forward. It's engaging, romantic, infuriating, and delightful all at the same time. I can't wait to see where their relationship goes next!

I highly recommend this book to any reader who likes humor and adventure in their romance books! Definitely read the first book before this one, in order to fully appreciate the character development. Thankfully we only have to wait until July to see what happens next.

**I received a free copy from the author and I have a relationship with the author as a paid beta reader for other books. This is my honest review.**

[Marty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really a cute story, but I did not read book one. Since I have it on my kindle, I may still read. An almost stand alone story, which I prefer. I personally think any writer worth their ink should be able to add a hint or two to bring us up to speed story wise from the prior book. This is only one of several reasons I do not like series.
The story is fun, and full of Paris. Since I know the city well, I was along for the ride. May or may not continue. If I decide to go to book three, I guess I best do book one.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice short read, perfect escapism. Not overly complicated characters, a huge plot jump in the last chapter but it was refreshing after some heavy emotional readings.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by Eliza Watson! I love this series!

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this is a book that kept me smiling from the opening chapter, right until the end. There are so many funny scenes in this, in addition to Caity's deeper issues, and the mystery over her grandmother's history all combined in this wonderful book.

As the second book in the The Travel Mishaps of Caity Shaw series, I do believe it works as a standalone, but since the first book was also really enjoyable, it would be a shame to miss out and not get a more comprehensive feel for these characters. There are also continuing storylines, which are great for those who have read Flying by the Seat of My Knickers, but may be a bit confusing at first for people new to the series.

The unofficial recurring theme of the book seemed to be, how many places can Caity get herself thrown out of accidentally in Paris, for a whole number of unusual reasons. This is in part because she seemed to be the babysitter of 6 year old Henry whose parents seemed to not really care that most of the activities going on would not appeal to their child.

Caity, thanks to Declan who she first met in the previous book, has bluffed her way into working this meeting in Paris, and she is determined to prove herself, and not let her lack of experience show. She is only just starting to gain some self-esteem after splitting with her ex-boyfriend and the problems that relationship had.

The more I get to see of Caity, the more I like her, she is so enthusiastic about everything to do with this job, perhaps with the exception of touring the catacombs, and even gets to see a few things in Paris a bit off the beaten track, thanks to needing to entertain Henry.

I'm very intrigued as to what happened with Caity's grandmother, and feel that we will hopefully get more information slowly revealed in the future books of the series, which is just one reason why I am already looking forward to the next book.

Up The Seine Without A Paddle is a wonderfully light hearted and easy to read book, that will lift your spirits after a tough day, while allowing you to travel to Paris from the comfort of your living room., which is just one of the many reasons that I wholeheartedly love this book, and series.

Thank you to Eliza Watson for this cop of the book which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This and other reviews can be found on my blog: https://goodbookscometothosewhoread.b...

Revisiting Caity and her travel mishaps has been a true delight, this book leads on from the first book (Flying by the Seat of My Knickers) expanding on Caity’s tears and triumphs.

Eliza has captured the highs and lows of all the characters, covering some difficult subjects in a very sympathetic way. I have once again fallen in love with the quirky main character, as she is tries to re build her self-confidence and patch her life back together.

This book is a lighthearted, easy quick read, packed with friendships, families, grief and all the mishaps that happen whilst Caity works as an event planner/ reluctant Au pair. I won’t say much more as I may give the story-line away.

I would advise anyone who is considering reading Up The Seine Without a Paddle to read Flying by the Seat of my Knickers first, (Available FREE at the moment as ebook on amazon, Click here) It gives a lot of introduction and background on the characters and this book follows on perfectly making for a very enjoyable read with a cliff hanger ending.........

I’m now going to add to my tbr pile, book three in the series, My Christmas Goose is almost Cooked. As I need to know what happens next!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just like the first book in the series I found this book wholly enjoyable. In this book Caity has been gaining confidence in herself and her abilities so we really get to see her have shining moments instead of mostly fumbling around trying to fix mistakes.

I don't know if I mentioned this in the review of the first book in the series or not, but when I read it I felt like the trauma she had sustained from her latest relationship had been shown but also over-simplified. There was one statement that was along the lines of, "I can't allow my trauma to dictate my behavior and my future. So it won't." Which, although this is "just a book" I thought made recovering from trauma seem like a mindset issue, when it is most certainly not. Well, in this book Caity is still struggling, so Watson does make it realistic in that sense. I mean, she gets over it more quickly, I think, than anyone would normally (especially without regular psych help and/or support) BUT it is a book and I realize the reader has to see growth or get bored. I mean, she's nor "cured" or anything, but I am also aware the process can take years, and it's only been a few weeks for Caity.

Anyway, the book was still a light and fun read. Readers are still being teased about what may (or may not happen) between her and Declan. We also see Caity continue to struggle with her emotional trauma, though that is not the focus of the book/what it is about.

Happy reading!

[Elizabeth Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the second installment in this series. These books are quick reads that keep your interest the entire time. Caity is working her second ever travel event in Paris. Declan, the one who recommended her and her possible love interest from the last book, is along as well. Caity learns more about event planning and is starting to grow in her confidence. Well, when she isn't stuck playing nanny to the funeral director's son. Meanwhile, Declan opens up about his past and Caity is wondering if she can trust him with her own story. She's also trying to get up the confidence to tell her sister.

Caity annoyed me at certain parts in this book, with her desire to push Declan to open up more, while concealing her own past. She also overreacted to a lot of situations. Some of that was understandable with the relationship she just got out of. The first book's summary gave me the impression that the series was a lot more focused on uncovering Caity's grandmother's history. That storyline takes more of a back burner than I had expected. However, these were minor complaints. I still really enjoyed this book. These are likable characters, the locations are interesting and detailed, and the pace is quick. Looking forward to reading the third!

[Petra Quelch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read the first book in the series of Travel Mishaps Of Caity Shaw, and I thoroughly enjoyed it so when I received the second book in the series I was delighted to find out more about Caithy and her travel adventure, and I certainly was not disappointed.
Up the Seine without a Paddle is a highly engaging, humour and charming read with a sprinkling of magic and mystery.
I loved following Caity on her adventure in the City of Love. Caity is certainly a little bit more confident when it comes to event planning ( but she hasn't counted on looking after a six-year-old child). Caity has to deal with quite a handful of bumps along the way, but she has a dishy co-worker to help her along the way, Declan. Their little spark is still pretty much alive when it comes to their little set- up.
Although Caity search of her grandmother mysterious past is put on hold in this second instalment I still devour this book in one single sitting as Eliza writing style is brimming with wonderfully crafted characters, mesmerising settings all wrapped up in a swift flowing plotline. Can't wait for the third book in this adventures series!​

[Amanda Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun

Caity has been booked to help on another job assisting with a tour group of American undertakers in Paris with Heather and Declan.. he might just have boosted her résumé a little to get her the position..

She's still full of indecision and lacking confidence, but finding herself dropped in it proves a quick study, practical and resourceful.. she really needs to start believing in herself!

She's left to handle the 6 year old son of one the top salesmen who's nearly coated a 15m painting with chocolate in the Musee d'Orsay and got himself and Caity thrown out, and vanished while out for a meal.. he needs to be entertained but how can Caity control him?!

Her friendship with Declan is going to be tested a little as they begin to reveal hints of their pasts and some more research into her family roots in Ireland start to bear fruit but it's not necessarily going to be a good thing!

[Kira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Up the Seine without a Paddle is the second book in The Travel Mishaps of Caity Shaw series by Eliza Watson.

Caity and Declan are in Paris for halloween on a job for Rachel's friend and no matter how much Caity tries, she isn't able to do all the things she had always dreamed of doing in Paris due to being stuck looking after her client's 6 year old son, Henry. But she is determined and never gives up, learning more about her Irish roots along the way.

I liked this better than book 1 maybe because I could understand Caity better now. It was nice seeing her move on from Andy and grow more self determined and confident every step of the way. She and Declan also grew closer but their romance is still a long way to go and I liked that the author isn't forcing them to come together instantly.

3 stars.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Up the Seine without a Paddle is the second book in the Travel Mishaps of Caity Shaw. In this book we travel with Caity to Paris, France where she is working for an event planner. Even though she fibbed a bit on her resume, she is helped out of some misadventures by her co-worker Declan whom she has a crush on. After repeatedly getting asked to leave some of the top tourist sites she continues to do her job. Even the part of the job she doesn't care for...watching a six year old who is a bit on the wild side. I absolutely love this series!! The book is an enjoyable read and you get to visit Paris without leaving your home. The Caity character is well written and the story is great. Read it and you'll be hooked on the series like me! Definitely recommend!

[Nancy H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable series that shows what it is like if you travel somewhere, don't know the culture or language very well, yet nevertheless try your best to fit in, and in the case of Caity Shaw, heroine of this series, do your job as fledgling event planner. In this story, Caity finds herself in Paris, along with Declan, who is a possible romantic interest, and the two of them must shepherd a group of funeral directors through a conference. Caity and Declan also each have personal issues to work through, before they can move on, and in this story, they both get closer to doing that. It is a light, fun read, and I will definitely be back for more.

[Suzanne Pixley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Event planners -- in Paris

Just as the previous book captured event planners working in Dublin, this quick read described the same efforts of a team working in Paris. While it focuses on the planned and unplanned experiences in Paris, it also focuses on the main character Cairie as she regains her self confidence and slowly begins her quest for her Irish family's history. Book makes you want to leave for Paris in the morning. Book also makes you appreciate all the work that went into every large meeting you've ever been to!

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caity's adventures in Paris are funny and heartwarming and yet I feel so sorry for her. She is struggling to rebuild her life and confidence that was destroyed by her ex boyfriend Andy. The main problem is that she has never told anyone about what happened.

In this book Caity's confidence is starting to grow, and she's developing one serious crush on her colleague Declan, but unless she starts letting people in she will never move on from Andy and start making new friends.

Lovely sweet story.

[Delores Fones · Rating 5 out of 5]

KEEP PADDLING

Who knew that lurking in my e-mail was this announcement about a "new to me" author that clicked with me immediately! This was not my usual profile character, but young, troubled, family interference had me at the opening page. The headline is my "tip of the hat" to the title and encouragement to Eliza Watson to keep up the great storytelling. I am ready for all that is to come!

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caity is in Paris for her next job with an event planning group,
Rather than being able to do her job. Caity winds up being a nanny for a 6 year old boy who enjoys creating trouble.
As she and Henry get kicked out of multiple places, Declan is able to keep her calm (mostly) so she doesn't lose her job there, or any other jobs afterwards.

This was a fun women's fiction book that has engaging characters and real world problems.

[Venise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Determination urges Caity Shaw to be the stronger character she wishes to be. She gets several tasks that seem daunting, and has mixed feelings about her colleague. Her family history is on her mind—hoping she’ll learn more and grow closer to her sibling, she has ongoing research with her sister to figure what occurred in their Irish grandmother’s life. Paris is as grand as she imagines, and she hopes to spend some more time in Ireland.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book even more than the first. This book was a relaxing, lighter read. So there is swearing, including the F-word, in this book - but since an Irish character is saying the words, and it's spelled differently because he's Irish, it really didn't bother me as much. Which really shouldn't make any sense. 3 - 3.5

[Lyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story (second in a series that should be read in order) celebrates the awe and wonderful of travel, even when the trip ends up not as expected. This is a charming chick-lit series that speaks to the lessons we learn in our 20s. I enjoyed this part of Caity’s journey and look forward to the next installment. The virtual visit to Paris - both on and off the beaten path was a bonus.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first Caity Shaw book in 18 hours, and thought that the second instalment couldn't be as addictive to read - I was wrong! I read it in an afternoon! Brilliant story, which had me giggling, raising a fist and biting my lip. Well done Eliza - I love this series! I'll be back for part 3 soon! :D

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a quick read and I enjoyed seeing what Caity had been up to since the last book. This time we find her and Declan in Paris dealing with various work events and still finding time to get some time to themselves, although the later was pretty tough to do. I'm liking how things are going and will be reading the next book.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faith and Declan

Such a great read! Love City as the unpolished heroine. Not as bumbling as she thinks. Declan, swoon. Add in a conference for funeral home owners and a spoiled kid, funny! All of the feels. I felt like I was along for the ride. So well crafted! Please read!

[Samantha Glass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another in the series of zany adventures Caity Shaw gets into while working as a tour planner. This time, set in Paris, Caity juggles calamity in her tour, being a babysitter, and her feelings for Declan. Delicious little peeks into a different culture. Fun read.

[Margie O'byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caity Gains Confidence

In the second in the series, the author and the main character both mature. The writing is smoother and she handles the relationship between Caity and Declan in a polished manner. Great read

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed this second Caity adventure. I love the chemistry and fun between Caity and Declan....Also love his Irish sense of humour. I also have done a bit of investigating Irish ancestry for my husband's grandparents so this aspect is also interesting. On to the third adventure...